I have been associated with Saint John Church since 1991, though for most of that time I was a resident in the friary with work elsewhere. I don’t remember in those years a time when a bishop came to confirm young people. There may have been an occasion, but I don’t remember.
This Sunday, April 7, Bishop John McIntyre will come to confirm 15 children and three adults. At the Easter Vigil we also had the baptism and confirmation of one adult, the confirmation and reception into the Catholic Church of one adult, and the confirmation of two adult Catholics. The adults for both the Easter Vigil and April 7 ceremonies were prepared through our successful RCIA program.
All in all, Saint John’s has this year a rich harvest of sacramental participation.
Our April 7 confirmation came about when two Saint John parishioner families informed me that they had children of confirmation age. I met with the parents to talk about a sacramental preparation program. Both children attend Waldron Mercy Academy. Other Waldron families asked to join our program and they received permission from their parishes. We have also one Holy Redeemer student and a couple of other students not from Waldron. We conducted a confirmation religious education program this year. I have enjoyed having these children participate in activities this year at Saint John’s, including a Christmas service project at our local nursing home and a Mardi Gras party for our Connelly House neighbors.
Saint John Church includes many young adults-- students and young workers. Because of our 70+ weddings each year, many young married couples love Saint John Church. But we don’t have many families with children. This is not a failure on the part of Saint John Church, but a fact of the demographics of Center City.
I am pleased that so many young adults choose to worship and be active at Saint John’s. It is one of our unique and special blessings and ministries. I hope that we can also attract young families with children.
Saint Paul said that he had become “all things to all people” to save some of them. Likewise, we want our parish to welcome and include all people—of all ages, races and economic and social conditions.
Faith Climate Action Week
The first annual Earth Day was on April 22,1970. Earth Day calls all to protect the earth from pollution and ruin. Faith Climate Action Week includes Earth Day and is a faith based commitment to protect the earth because it is God’s creation and our common home. It is April 19-28 and includes Earth Day.
Saint John Church has a Laudato Si Circle formed in response to Pope Francis’ historic encyclical on the environment. The theme of Faith Climate Action Week this year is “Common Ground: Cultivating Connections Between Our Faith, Our Food, and Our Climate”. Please consider joining our Circle meeting on Sunday, April 7, following the 10:30 Mass, to talk about caring for the environment and for all people who depend on the earth for food, clean air and water.
Members of our Laudato Si Circle will be on the front steps of St. John Church on Earth Day, April 22, with pots of pansies. The pansies will be distributed to passersby during the late morning and early afternoon hours: inviting people to take pause and give thanks to the God of all creation for His gift of love expressed in creation. Those wishing to participate as volunteers can contact Carolyn at (267) 881-8794.
Confirmation at Saint John’s
Bishop John McIntyre will come to Saint John Church on Sunday, April 7 at the 12:30 PM Mass to celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation for 15 children and 3 adults. Please join us and support our kids and adults who will receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Padre Pio Pilgrimage
Mark your calendars! On Saturday, May 4, I will lead a pilgrimage to the Padre Pio Center in Barto, PA. I will be the celebrant for the Mass at Barto. Beginning April 14, we will have a sign up sheet for those wishing to attend and who need transportation or who can offer a ride to others.
Remember Saint John Church in your will
People from all over the Philadelphia region and beyond tell me how much they appreciate Saint John Church. I hear how people visited the church for Mass, confessions or prayer during breaks from work or on shopping visits to Center City. Saint John’s is still a haven of peace and faith. Please consider naming Saint John the Evangelist Church as a beneficiary of your last will and testament. You can assure that some of the wealth that you worked to save during your life will help to keep Saint John Church open and vibrant for future generations.
